Cat First Aid Guide & Checklist
How many of us are genuinely prepared for a cat medical emergency? If you're not raising your hand right now, you're in the right place! We’re going to give you a crash course in triage, common cat ailments, and guide you in assembling a first aid kit stocked with life-saving essentials!
Before we proceed, it's crucial to always consult your veterinarian before administering any treatment. Have their phone number, as well a local 24-hour emergency vet, readily accessible.
Cat First Aid Steps
First things first - let’s review the four basic steps in administering feline first aid:
SECURE: Calmly ensure your cat is secure and safe. Watch out for potential dangers like traffic or other animals. Approach your cat cautiously and move them to a secure location. Distressed cats may bite or scratch, so try using a thick blanket or gloves when handling.
ASSESS: Look for any obvious injury or signs of illness, such as protruding bones, limping, bleeding, irregular behavior, difficulty breathing, etc. We’ve outlined common symptoms and causes in the next section.
CALL: As soon as possible, call your vet to seek advice on the best course of action. Also, it’s a good idea to provide the clinic with advanced notice that you’re on your way with a medical emergency.
TREAT: Provide emergency first aid only if you are confident in both your assessment and if your vet has approved of the treatment. If unable to contact a vet immediately, use your best judgment. Always wear disposable gloves when dealing with open wounds.
Common Cat Medical Emergencies
Wounds (cuts, bites, burns)
COMMON SIGNS: Limping, wincing, lethargy, hiding, bleeding/puss, abscess, pain when touched, torn skin, missing fur, excessive licking.
FIRST AID ITEMS: Blanket, disposable gloves, cotton balls/swabs, Povidone iodine, Styptic powder, sterile non-stick gauze, absorbent gauze pads, flexible bandage wrap, medical tape, bandages, instant cold compress, soft cone-of-shame.
WHAT TO DO:
Seek immediate vet care. Infections can spread fast and pose a serious threat to your cat’s health.
DO NOT attempt to deep clean/probe a wound - this could make things much worse.
DO NOT apply any ointments or creams.
IF your kitty is over-attending to their wound (i.e. excessive scratching or licking) ask your vet if you should place a soft cone around their neck.
For open wounds, You can gently remove surface debris by rinsing with a sterile saline solution. Lightly swab the wound’s surface with Povidone iodine, then apply a couple layers of sterile, non-stick gauze, then cover with flexible bandage wrap.
For bleeding, apply pressure with dry sterile, non-stick gauze, followed by a layer of absorbent gauze pads covered by flexible bandage wrap. If it is a minor wound, you can apply Styptic powder to slow the bleed prior to bandaging.
For burns, rinse the affected area(s) with sterile saline solution and apply an instant cold compress wrapped in sterile, non-stick gauze. Never apply cold compresses directly to the wound without a layer of protection. When ready for transport, place sterile, non-stick gauze over the burned area and lightly secure with medical tape.
Broken Bones
COMMON SIGNS: Crying, hissing, biting at you, limping/inability to bear weight, wincing, refusal to groom, hiding, changes to appetite or litter box usage.
FIRST AID ITEMS: Blanket.
WHAT TO DO: Keep your feline cozy and confined. DO NOT attempt to splint the broken bone yourself; let your vet handle it.
Choking
COMMON SIGNS: Gagging, retching, and heaving (open mouth, no noise), coughing (especially as they exhale), Raspy inhalation, drooling, frantic or in distress, pawing at their face, stretching the neck outward, staggering, blue gums, loss of consciousness.
FIRST AID ITEMS: Blanket, disposable gloves, flashlight, tweezers.
WHAT TO DO:
If you think your cat is choking, DO NOT try to dislodge anything from deep within their throat - you could easily damage important tissues or bones.
You can open their mouth and look for any obvious obstructions (a flashlight can be helpful). IF you can visualize an object sticking out past the back of their tongue, CAREFULLY use one finger and attempt to swipe it away. If it will not budge, call the vet immediately to notify them that you are on your way.
If your cat is unable to clear the blockage, read this PetMD article on how to give your cat the Heimlich Maneuver.
Eye Irritation or Injury
COMMON SIGNS: Eye discharge/excessive watering, squinting, pawing at the eye, swollen eyelids, bloodshot eyes, clouded cornea, third eyelid showing, excessive blinking, light sensitivity, visible debris.
FIRST AID ITEMS: Blanket, disposable gloves, sterile saline solution.
WHAT TO DO:
In a pinch, you can use a sterile saline solution to remove any loose debris (if your cat will tolerate this).
When it comes to eye injuries, you should always consult your vet and seek prompt medical treatment.
Heat Stroke
Heat Stroke can quickly kill and it is completely avoidable. Keep your cat indoors at all times, in a climate controlled area. Never leave your kitty unattended in your car, even if it’s running and/or the windows are rolled down.
COMMON SIGNS: Panting, drooling, breathing distresses, agitation, pale gums, vomiting, diarrhea, collapsing, loss of consciousness.
FIRST AID ITEMS: Collapsible cat dish, oral syringe, distilled drinking water.
WHAT TO DO: Seek immediate veterinarian intervention. You can try to offer your cat water using a collapsible cat dish or by filling an oral syringe and slowly dripping it into their mouth. Only do this if they are conscious so you do not cause them to choke.
Poisoning
COMMON SIGNS: Salivation, vomiting, diarrhea, twitching, difficulty breathing, collapse, loss of consciousness, skin inflammation, hiding, lethargy, changes to appetite or litter box usage.
FIRST AID ITEMS: Blanket.
WHAT TO DO:
Stay calm and move your cat away from the poison source (if known). Contact your vet immediately. If it’s after hours, contact your local emergency vet. DO NOT WAIT. If you know what substance your cat ingested/contacted, provide that information to the vet.
DO NOT give your cat any remedies OR try to induce vomiting unless instructed by a vet - this could actually make things worse.
HELPFUL HINT: Some online services advertise a “24/7 Poison Control Line”. However, they can come with hidden fees for using their service. Always check first and have a plan in place prior to any emergency.
Allergic Reactions and Anaphylaxis
COMMON SIGNS: Face swelling, hives, vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, collapse, loss of consciousness.
FIRST AID ITEMS: Blanket, oral syringe, liquid dye-free children’s Benadryl.
WHAT TO DO: Anaphylaxis is a serious condition that needs urgent veterinary attention. Stay calm and contact your vet immediately. Your vet might advise giving liquid dye-free children’s Benadryl to help manage symptoms until you reach the clinic.
Seizures
COMMON SIGNS: Drooling, facial twitching, unusual movements, head tilting, loss of consciousness, aggression, loss of urine/bowel control, shaking, rigidity.
FIRST AID ITEMS: Blanket (only use if required for vet transport AFTER seizure has subsided).
WHAT TO DO:
Stay calm and clear a safe area around your cat.
DO NOT attempt to touch or move your cat (unless they are in an unsafe area). Seizures typically last for only a few minutes. During this time, keep a close eye on your kitty and contact your vet as soon as possible. They will want to see your cat to determine the underlying cause of the seizure.
IF your cat injures itself during their seizure, refer to the relevant sections for first aid tips. Again, DO NOT administer any first aid until AFTER the seizure has subsided.
Blunt Force Trauma
COMMON SIGNS: Lethargy, panting, coughing up blood, distended belly, pale gums, difficulty breathing, collapse, loss of consciousness.
FIRST AID ITEMS: Blanket, disposable gloves, cotton balls/swabs, Povidone iodine, Styptic powder, sterile non-stick gauze, absorbent gauze pads, medical tape, bandages, instant cold compress.
WHAT TO DO: Blunt force trauma can occur from things like a fall or car collision. Immediately rush your cat to the vet. If you can, call ahead so that the clinic has time to prepare interventional treatment prior to your arrival. If dealing with open wounds/broken bones, refer to those sections for first aid tips.
First Aid Kit Checklist
DOWNLOAD PRINTABLE CHECKLIST HERE
NEVER use alcohol/alcohol prep pads, human eye drops/ointments, over-the-counter antibiotic ointments, or any other non-vet approved medications on your cat!
Disposable gloves
Bite-proof gloves
Small flashlight
Absorbent gauze pads (large and small)
Sterile, non-stick gauze wrap
Flexible bandage wrap
Adhesive bandage tape
Cotton balls
Cotton swabs
Oral syringe
Soft cone-of-shame (use to prevent licking wounds - use only if vet approves)
Towels/blankets
Povidone iodine wipes or swabs (use to disinfect cat wounds and sterilize supplies)
Styptic powder (anti-hemorrhagic that slows minor bleeding)
Sterile saline solution (for rinsing wounds)
Instant cold compress packs
Small bottle of distilled water (for drinking)
Liquid, dye-free children’s Benadryl
Safety scissors (with blunt end)
Tweezers (with blunt end)
Collapsible pet food/water dish (only give food/water IF vet-approved)
There you have it! A practical guide to get you ready for a cat emergency. Let's hope you won't need it, but if you do, you'll be giving your feline friend the best shot at a quick recovery.